Avanti Communications Group plc,
enables successful deployment of
disaster recovery technology with
leading UK Mobile Network Operator
(MNO), EE. The deployment of the
technology was demonstrated today, live
at The Oval cricket ground in central
London. The solution saw EE’s
patent-pending balloon air mast
technology demonstrate how mobile
coverage can be maintained in rural
areas, during disaster recovery and for
search and rescue, using Avanti’s
satellite connectivity.

The MNO with the largest 4G coverage
in the UK showed how mini mobile sites
attached to a helium-powered balloon
called a ‘Helikite’, can provide wide
area 4G mobile coverage where permanent
sites have been damaged or across areas
where 4G coverage is not available. EE
also unveiled Rapid Response Vehicles
(RRV) as a vital capability to keeping
networks running through essential
maintenance and local site outages. With
100% coverage of the UK, Avanti’s High
Throughput Satellite (HTS) technology is
able to provide a reliable and flexible
Satellite Backhaul solution to around
1000 fixed and portable base stations
across the UK, enabling connectivity
nationwide.

The solution uses small cell
technology, which then connects back
into the EE network over Avanti’s
Ka-band HYLAS 1 and HYLAS 2 satellites,
or using EE’s own 4G spectrum, to make
calls and access the internet even in
the most remote locations. EE plans to
reach 95% UK geographic 4G coverage by
2020, and with Avanti’s satellite
service now in place, EE will be able to
reach more remote and rural areas of the
country, whilst simultaneous sly
boosting the resilience of the network.

Marc Allera, Chief Executive Officer
of EE, commented: “EE’s breakthroughs in
developing innovative aerial solutions
have been achieved with the support of
the most innovative partners from the
mobile industry and beyond. Avanti has
enabled a fast, reliable satellite
backhaul connection and looking ahead,
beyond even our ambition to reach 95% of
the UK geography, I see innovations like
this revolutionising the way people
connect.”

David Williams, Chief Executive
Officer of Avanti, said: “Partnering
with EE to address rapid deployment and
coverage in rural areas emphasises the
quality and reliability of our satellite
technology. The partnership is a key
part of extending UK mobile coverage to
support EE in its strategy to deliver
the best performing network across the
UK.”